Leading eye-care network launches tool to detect Australia’s most under-diagnosed eye syndrome

PersonalEYES, a leading Australian network of eye care clinics, has announced the launch of an advanced diagnostic tool for dry eye syndrome. The tool, called Tearlab, determines the condition of the eye with 90% accuracy in identifying dry eyes.

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most under-diagnosed ocular diseases, and yet it is the most common reason why patients visit their eye care professional. Until now, there has not been an objective measure of the severity of dry eye disease.[1] It occurs when eyes do not produce a sufficient amount of quality tears to adequately lubricate the eye, affecting an estimated 30% of Australians. The condition is believed to be a result of prolonged use of computer screens and technology, ageing, menopause and environmental factors such as dry air, wind, direct sunlight, smoke and pollutants. Over time, the resulting dryness can damage the surface of the eyeball.

Dry eye can afflict anyone of any age, but is more common as we get older because we produce a smaller volume of tears. [1] Symptoms include blurred vision, redness, stinging or burning sensation, light sensitivity, excessive tearing or watery eyes, contact lens discomfort and a feeling of grittiness in the eye. As the condition is progressive, if untreated dry eye syndrome can cause inconsistencies with vision and lead to the permanent scarring of the front surface of the eye.

There are two main type of dry eyes including, ADDE: Aqueous Deficient Dry Eyes ? defined as a reduction in the production of tears, and EDE: Evaporative Dry Eyes ? defined as the loss of tears from the surface of the eye when there is normal production of tears. Although, dry eyes are broadly classified into these two categories, they are not mutually exclusive and patients can have a combination of the two. Existing diagnosis of the condition is at times inaccurate or inconclusive, with doctors previously relying on patient symptoms and what was identified under the slit lamp.

TearLab is a diagnostic tool that aids in the accurate and early detection of dry eye syndrome. With the core of the disease being the lack of, or poor quality of, tears the key to establishing a correct diagnosis is in the analysis and measure of osmolarity (salt found in tears). As osmolarity in your tears increase ocular surface cells become damaged [2]. Tearlab measures the level of osmolarity, from normal, mild, moderate and severe. During the consultation, the doctor will collect an amount of tear fluid no larger than a grain of salt.

?Dry eye syndrome affects a great deal of patients seen at PersonalEYES clinics, however it is not always easily identified, with other methods at times being inconclusive. This tool enables our doctors to easily and accurately diagnose the condition, with minimal effort for the patient. It is a great advancement for the testing of a condition doctors are presented with almost every day,? says Dean Powrie, CEO and Director of PersonalEYES.

Alternatively, dry eye suffers can manage symptoms with eye drops or topical lubricants. This helps to alleviate any discomfort and ease the absence of lipids.

Tearlab is available now at PersonalEYES. Please visit www.personaleyes.com.au for specialist centre locations throughout NSW and ACT.

Company :-personalEYES Parramatta

User :- Personal Eyes

Email :-personaleyessem@gmail.com

Phone :---

Mobile:- -

Url :- http://www.personaleyes.com.au/locations/parramatta